Description
A delightful appetizer that combines creamy mushrooms and garlic on toasty sourdough, topped with melted Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 4 slices crusty sourdough or rustic bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing bread)
- 1 clove garlic (halved, for rubbing toast)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil and butter over medium heat in a wide skillet. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is hot, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook these for about five minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The mushrooms should release their moisture, concentrate in flavor, and become wonderfully fragrant. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir everything well, allowing the garlic to infuse into the mushrooms for an extra aromatic boost. After a minute or so, pour in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly. Once thickened, remove from heat and fold in the grated cheese slowly, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- While your mushroom topping is cooling slightly, start prepping the bread. Lightly brush each slice of sourdough with either olive oil or melted butter to encourage that perfect crisp texture when toasted. You have the option of using a skillet or toaster depending on what’s convenient and available. Toast until each side is beautifully golden and crisp. For an extra layer of flavor, gently rub each toasted slice with the cut side of the fresh garlic clove.
- With the bread toasted and the mushroom mixture ready, it’s time to assemble. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy mushroom topping onto each slice of toast, spreading it as evenly as possible for consistent flavor in every bite. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the toasts warm, enjoying the rich interplay of flavors while the cheese is still melty.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add a protein for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Protein: 8 g